Abstract
Human-mediated hybridization poses a serious
threat to the genetic integrity of threatened inter-fertile
species or subspecies, such as the bontebok (Damaliscus
pygargus pygargus) and blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus
phillipsi) in South Africa. The identification of pure and
admixed populations is key to sound biodiversity conservation management and practices. Where identification
based on morphometric measurements are complex,
molecular analysis can provide a tool to identify hybrids or
introgression in populations. This study provides the first
molecular analyses on pure bontebok and blesbok as well
as putative hybrid populations and samples of unknown
purity. Analysis of a panel of 13 microsatellite markers by
applying a Bayesian model-based clustering programme
provided evidence of clear partitioning between the two
subspecies. Hybridization was detected in 33 % (40 of 121)
of the samples with unknown purity. Currently, bontebok is
listed as protected under the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and
is listed as endangered under the United States of America’s Endangered Species Act. Our research found that the
microsatellite markers used in this study could accurately
identify pure and hybrid animals and can be used as a tool
to conserve the genetic integrity of both subspecies.
threat to the genetic integrity of threatened inter-fertile
species or subspecies, such as the bontebok (Damaliscus
pygargus pygargus) and blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus
phillipsi) in South Africa. The identification of pure and
admixed populations is key to sound biodiversity conservation management and practices. Where identification
based on morphometric measurements are complex,
molecular analysis can provide a tool to identify hybrids or
introgression in populations. This study provides the first
molecular analyses on pure bontebok and blesbok as well
as putative hybrid populations and samples of unknown
purity. Analysis of a panel of 13 microsatellite markers by
applying a Bayesian model-based clustering programme
provided evidence of clear partitioning between the two
subspecies. Hybridization was detected in 33 % (40 of 121)
of the samples with unknown purity. Currently, bontebok is
listed as protected under the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and
is listed as endangered under the United States of America’s Endangered Species Act. Our research found that the
microsatellite markers used in this study could accurately
identify pure and hybrid animals and can be used as a tool
to conserve the genetic integrity of both subspecies.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 589-599 |
| Journal | Conservation Genetics |
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - 22 Jan 2013 |